Los Glaciares National Park South Sector
Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, a dynamic ice giant in Patagonia, offering breathtaking views and unique adventure opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Los Glaciares National Park South Sector
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, a dynamic ice giant in Patagonia, offering breathtaking views and unique adventure opportunities.
"This is one of the most special locations in the world and should be on everyone’s bucket list."
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Having a car lets you explore viewpoints and boardwalks at your own pace, beating crowds.
💰 Glacier Trekking is Worth It
While costly, walking on the glacier offers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perito Moreno Glacier
Main viewing area
Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, a dynamic ice giant known for its dramatic calving events.
Glacier Trekking (Mini-Trekking)
On the Perito Moreno Glacier
Walk directly on the ancient ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier for an unforgettable, up-close encounter.
Boat Tours on Lago Argentino
Lago Argentino
Cruise across Lago Argentino to get stunning perspectives of the glaciers from the water.
Glacier National Park Walkways
Perito Moreno Glacier viewing area
Explore extensive boardwalks offering panoramic views and the chance to hear and see ice calving.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Perito Moreno
Booking Glacier Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Having a car lets you explore viewpoints and boardwalks at your own pace, beating crowds.
💰 Glacier Trekking is Worth It
While costly, walking on the glacier offers a unique, unforgettable experience. +1
🚢 Combine Tours for Full Experience
Consider tours that include boat trips, trekking, and walkways for a comprehensive view.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalks Slowly
Take your time on the walkways to fully appreciate the glacier's scale and sounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Having a car lets you explore viewpoints and boardwalks at your own pace, beating crowds.
💰 Glacier Trekking is Worth It
While costly, walking on the glacier offers a unique, unforgettable experience. +1
🚢 Combine Tours for Full Experience
Consider tours that include boat trips, trekking, and walkways for a comprehensive view.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalks Slowly
Take your time on the walkways to fully appreciate the glacier's scale and sounds.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Patagonian weather is unpredictable; layers are essential for comfort.
⏰ Arrive Before Park Closing
Note that restaurants and park facilities may close around 4:30 PM. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Los Glaciares National Park, particularly the Perito Moreno Glacier, as an absolutely stunning and iconic destination, often calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sheer beauty and peacefulness of the location are frequently highlighted, with many recommending combining various activities like boat tours and glacier walks for a complete immersion.
"It was excellent
Its shocking how fast it's disappearing
It no longer touches the observation deck
I recommend seeing it from both the observation deck and a boat We went in winter and drove ourselves Bring chains in winter or they won't let you in the gate
Its pricey but worth it We liked driving ourselves as opposed to the tour busses When the bus left we had the place to ourselves
One of the top things to see in Argentina
We drove from BA over a couple of weeks It was spectacular The area around the park is impressive
The town is touristy & expensive with marginal restaurants at the price"
viento.aparente
"Absolutely stunning. This is one of the most special locations in the world and should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nowhere is so iconic yet so peaceful. It is almost impossible to see everything here because you will just spend all of your time in one location once you realize that it’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been"
Cale O'Day
"Great experience here. Very stunning. This is a worth visiting place in a lifetime."
Princedhorn Wongsuphap
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier is by driving from El Calafate, which takes about 1.5 hours. You can rent a car for flexibility or join organized tours. Some tours offer free transfers from the airport to your hotel.
Yes, if you have a rental car, you can drive directly to the glacier's viewing area and explore the boardwalks. This allows you to experience it at your own pace and avoid tour group timings.
The drive from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier is scenic, passing through Patagonian landscapes. It takes approximately 1.5 hours and is well-maintained.
Yes, there is a free shuttle available to the beginning of the walkways from the main parking area, which is convenient for accessing the glacier viewing platforms [^Review].
El Chaltén, known as the trekking capital of Argentina, is about a 3-hour drive north of El Calafate. It's a popular day trip or multi-day excursion for hikers.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee required to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier section of Los Glaciares National Park. Prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the latest rates before your visit.
It is highly recommended to book glacier trekking tours, such as mini-trekking on Perito Moreno, in advance, especially during peak season, as they are very popular.+1
The park facilities, including the restaurant and viewing areas, typically close around 4:30 PM. It's best to plan your visit accordingly [^Review].
While there's a general park entrance fee, specific activities like boat tours or glacier trekking have separate costs and booking requirements.
Tickets for the national park entrance can usually be purchased upon arrival, but it's wise to confirm this, especially if you are part of a tour.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The best way is to combine walking the extensive boardwalks for different perspectives with a boat tour for a water-level view. For an even more immersive experience, consider glacier trekking.+1
The walkways offer stunning, close-up views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You can witness its immense scale, listen for calving ice, and enjoy the dramatic Patagonian scenery.+2
Glacier trekking (mini-trekking) is generally accessible to most fitness levels, but it does involve walking on ice with crampons. Tours provide guides and equipment.+1
Yes, you can often hear and see pieces of the glacier break off (calve) into the water from the walkways, a truly spectacular natural event [^Review, ^T18].
Yes, boat tours often visit other impressive glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala, offering a broader experience of the ice field.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and cafe located near the main walkway area, offering food and drinks with glacier views [^Review].
Food and drink prices at the glacier site can be on the higher side, typical for tourist attractions. Bringing your own snacks and water is an option.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, which can be a cost-saving measure. Remember to dispose of any waste properly.
El Calafate offers Patagonian lamb (cordero patagónico) and trout as local specialties. You'll also find a range of restaurants catering to various tastes.
Most restaurants in El Calafate will have some vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices are becoming more common. It's always best to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The extensive network of walkways provides numerous vantage points. The higher platforms offer grand panoramic shots, while lower ones get you closer to the ice face.+1
Early mornings often offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the glacier's textures. Late afternoons can also be beautiful as the light changes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the glacier and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing calving events from a distance.
Yes, guides usually allow time for photos during glacier trekking tours, but it's important to follow their instructions for safety.
Drone usage is typically restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check the latest regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While glacier trekking might be too strenuous or have age restrictions for very young children, boat tours are often a fantastic option. They offer a comfortable way to see the glaciers from a different perspective. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as options within the park can be limited and pricier. The sheer scale of the landscape is sure to captivate children's imaginations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focusing on the walkways at Perito Moreno is a cost-effective way to experience the glacier's grandeur without the added expense of trekking or extensive boat tours. If a boat tour is a must, compare prices from different operators in El Calafate. Look for package deals that might combine different activities for a better overall value.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
Many tours offer kayaking or ice-hiking experiences on other glaciers in the park. Research operators that specialize in more rugged adventures. The vastness of the Patagonian landscape also lends itself to activities like horseback riding and exploring remote estancias for a true taste of the wild.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier
Visitors can experience the glacier through several means. The most accessible are the walkways, a network of paths offering incredible panoramic views from various angles. These are designed to allow you to get close to the ice face and witness its grandeur. For a more intimate encounter, boat tours navigate the lake, bringing you right up to the glacier's towering walls, providing a different perspective and often a chance to see smaller icebergs.
For the truly adventurous, glacier trekking (often called mini-trekking) allows you to walk directly on the ice. Equipped with crampons, you'll explore the glacier's surface, learning about its formation and unique environment from expert guides. This is an unforgettable experience that offers a profound connection with this natural wonder.
Planning Your Visit to El Calafate
When considering your itinerary, many travelers recommend dedicating at least two full days to fully appreciate the Perito Moreno Glacier and potentially include a boat tour or trekking excursion. If you have more time, day trips to nearby El Chaltén for hiking or exploring other glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini via boat are highly recommended.
Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable, so packing layers is crucial. Expect sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow, sometimes all in the same day. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is also essential, especially if you plan on walking the boardwalks or undertaking any trekking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit